FORT BRAGG, N.C. –Sailors, being used to working with Marines, always address others by their full rank, and expect similar treatment, as opposed to enlisted Soldiers who are usually content with “sergeant.”

These are just some of the minor cultural differences between Soldiers and Sailors. The two services meshed well, however, where it mattered most – getting the job done.

Sailors and Soldiers came together to participate in the 2014 Quartermaster Liquid Logistics Exercise (QLLEX), operationally controlled by the 633rd Quartermaster Battalion here.

While waiting on a late shipment, Sailors connected with Army Reserve medics to obtain the supplies they needed, said Petty Officer 2nd Class John Christian, a hospital corpsman with the 6th Engineer Support Battalion, based in Green Bay, Wis.

“QLLEX is helpful for us to achieve our mission,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Annmarie Wilson, a hospital corpsman for the 4th Dental Battalion headquartered in Marietta, Ga.

Wilson, a native of Buford, Ga., said her units mission during QLLEX is to keep Marines and Soldiers prepared for deployment.
The 4th DB is scheduled to provide dental cleaning and x-rays for Marines and Soldiers during QLLEX.

“We also need to be prepared and refresh our job skills as well,” said Wilson. “This hands on training allows us to teach our newer soldiers.”

While not exactly what Sailors might have overseas, setting up a battalion aid station (BAS) provides them excellent training and opportunities to think on their own, said Christian, native of Appleton, Wis.

Christian recently achieved his rank and is the NCOIC of the BAS. QLLEX provides him an opportunity to have more responsibility and learn his and his Sailors capabilities.

Working with Army Reserve Soldiers has provided amenities Sailors and Marines aren’t accustomed to in the field, such as shower facilities and hot meals, said Christian.

“We usually just take ‘baby-wipe bathes,’” Christian said. “It’s hard not showering or getting hot meals. We were here for three days before the showers were ready, but that first shower was awesome. It raises morale for sure.”

“It is great that we participate in this exercise,” said Wilson. “When we get deployed we will all have to help and support each other.”